Portable Keyboard

[jmemcse]

I'm looking to buy a new board. It's kind of replacing my old friend Mr. Casio CTK 930. I use it for playing at campfire parties and pack it around on fun stuff. Do a lot of Christmas stuff, etc. It won't be used to gig with - I use an NS4C or a VR-09 for money gigs.

Goals:
Sound(s) better than my CTK 930
Small(er) and easy to transport
On board speakers
Runs on batteries
Playable full size keys
I just need: piano, organ, e-piano, strings
Some synth stuff is nice too

I've checked out many options online. The best I could come up with is Casio CT-S1. I liked the piano sound in a video and I think the keybed is acceptable.

I'm not ordering anything yet, but based on that video I think a CT-S1 might work for me. What other boards should I be looking at?
Thanks, Jim

 

[Biggles]

The Casio CT S500 might be a better buy for you circa £240.

I would not dismiss keyboards that do not have the ability to run on batteries, connecting a Rechargeable Battery Pack will give you power.

The Yamaha PSR E series is probably a better buy, 10lbs in weight, better onboard sound system and more importantly superior sounds.

I am not a fan of the AIX sounds,

I used to use a Korg Kross 2 and a Katana Mini Amp, both run on batteries and the sounds are IMO vastly superior to any quoted so far.

 

[jmemcse]

Thanks Biggles. It would seem the Yamaha sounds better than Casio. Especially the EP's. That's one of the things I got from the following video anyway-

I need to do more research. Portability and keybed feel are top concerns for me.

 

[Biggles]

My Casio experience is limited.

In store tryout of an S1000 and S3000 digital piano, hammerish action, short key length and difference in feel between the white and black keys. Onboard sounds just OK, menu system confusing, good job I had my iPad and the manual.

CT X5000, bought as a stop gap. Arrived Friday and spent the weekend with it before returning it on the Monday. The AIX sounds even after tweaking the settings were more Bontempi from the 80’s, menu system inconsistent and kept failing to store correctly. Keybed feel was adequate and very similar to an equivalent Yamaha.

Bought a C1 for the Grandson to play around with, it was cheap and cheerful. OK for a kid to see if they want to learn to play, that is all.

Yamaha e Series, like the equivalent Casio’s they are aimed at the beginner market but they have better onboard sounds especially acoustic and electric pianos, not so great to my ears are the brass. Keybed is as one should expect for not to large a cash outlay.

 

[jmemcse]

Here are the songs I play and sing solo around the campfire and stuff. I really only use basic keyboard sounds. If I have Flute I'll do the solos in King Crimson and Knights in White Satin with Flute, if not I've just used a string patch instead.

I play these on my Nord. I play these on my Roland. And I've played them on my Casio. I'm not that choosy- I'll play anything... But then again, it's time for a board dedicated to this use, and I don't want to use my stage rig. Maybe a small battery powered amp is in my future too.

 

[Biggles]

Your signature says you have a Kross 2, use that and buy a battery powered amp like the Boss Katana Mini or one of the Roland Street Cubes.

 

[jmemcse]

Your signature says you have a Kross 2, use that and buy a battery powered amp like the Boss Katana Mini or one of the Roland Street Cubes.

I need to update my signature, sorry about that. I tried the Kross 2. Did one gig with it. Used it as a controller for a while. The midi implementation is better than a VR-09. But anyway, I sold it some time ago. I tend to buy and sell keyboards frequently. I get what I need for the band I'm in. If a board ain't making me money I dump it. With the exception of a new portable board I'll eventually buy, because I don't need something to gig with, but I'm not about to setup my Nord at a campfire. I just want something I can literally toss in my lap, turn it

 

[happyrat1]

When I feel the need to play al fresco I use one of these. Mini keys are not a dealbreaker. You learn to adapt and play the different sizes automatically.

Yamaha PSS-A50 37 Key Touch Sensitive Beginner Mini-key Portable Keyboard, Compact, 42 Voices,138 Arpeggio Types, USB-MIDI Connection, Built-in Speaker, Headphones Jack, Battery Operation (2025) : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

Yamaha PSS-A50 37 Key Touch Sensitive Beginner Mini-key Portable Keyboard, Compact, 42 Voices,138 Arpeggio Types, USB-MIDI Connection, Built-in Speaker, Headphones Jack, Battery Operation (2025) : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio

www.amazon.ca

 

[jmemcse]

Wow Gary. What an awesome little unit. I like what you say about mini keys, so I'm willing to give it a try. I love how it sounds. I think this is what I've been looking for.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Thanks Gary - Jim

 

[happyrat1]

I love mine. I can pack it into most luggage if I have to. Battery life is amazing and it doesn't sound like a kazoo with a sinus condition. Some nights I just take it to bed with me to practice scales and ear training, and it's perfect for a session in the park under the trees. Plus the price has dropped by about 80 bucks since I bought mine. Enjoy yourself Jim.


Oh yeah, and the keys are velocity sensitive to boot

 

[happyrat1]

 

[BleugrassBoy]

Another vote for considering the Y Pss-a50 if you can find one. I bought it and the similar F30 arranger model (has more voices and accompaniments vs just arps on the A50) when first available in 2020 for $70ea. I haven’t taken a vacation anywhere without taking at least one of them.

 

[zzrwood]

The Roland GO:KEYS 5 might be worth a look.

 

[happyrat1]

Just wondering if Jim picked up the little Yammie yet and if so, how's he feel about playing with it so far?

I just installed the second set of 4 AAs since I bought mine 2 1/2 years ago.

A reminder if you haven't shopped yet, Black Friday is right around the corner. Baby's got GAS!!!

 

[jmemcse]

Gary - it's next on the list. Just bought a left handed bass and an amp for my adult son for Christmas. I'm next, but my wife says I have to wait until Christmas morning to play with it...

 

[happyrat1]

Here's a current .COM link instead of .CA

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-PSS-A50-Portable-Keyboard/dp/B07ZKY4J1G

Price is hovering around the same but supplies are running low.

After Black Friday you may not see another one on the shelves for quite a while.

At $150 CDN it's definitely not going to assassinate the family budget.

"She Who Must Be Obeyed" can surely go without a trip to the salon this week, no?

 

[jmemcse]

Thanks for the link Gary. I placed my order just now. Estimated ship date is a week away, but I'll keep you posted on arrival. Thanks for directing me to this keyboard.
Jim

 

[jmemcse]

The PSS-A50 showed up. The box sure is small, but it shipped FedEx from Japan dang fast! Anyway, I'll respect my wife's wishes and wait until Christmas morning to bust it out...

Thanks again for turning me on to this little keyboard, Gary. And the link for purchase too.

- Jim

 

[jmemcse]

 

[BleugrassBoy]

Congrats on the upcoming arrival!

You should check out Masataka Kono on YouTube if you want to see what a PSS-A50 is capable of in terms of looping/arps etc. He plays a variety of boards - but he seems to enjoy returning to the A50 from time to time.

(Warning: this might make having to wait until Christmas Morning unbearable!)